Overview

• Israeli authorities formally approved construction of 3,400 homes in the E1 area on August 20, a move critics say would bisect the West Bank, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich touting it as a step to block a Palestinian state.
• Twenty-one countries called the decision unacceptable and urged its annulment, as the UN’s Antonio Guterres and the EU’s Kaja Kallas warned E1 would sever north and south West Bank and imperil a two‑state outcome.
• The IDF says it has begun preparatory operations around Gaza City and will recall 60,000 additional reservists, with five divisions slated for an assault referred to as Chariots of Gideon II.
• Hamas says it accepted a mediator-backed 60‑day truce framework tied to staged hostage releases; Israel has not given formal approval and maintains that all captives must be freed.
• A separate group of 27 countries urged Israel to allow independent foreign media access to Gaza and to protect journalists, as UN officials warn of escalating civilian harm if the offensive proceeds.